Finite State Blog

The SBOM Challenge: Wait ... there was a contest? Who won?? with Matt Wyckhouse, Founder & CEO of Finite State

Written by Ryan Owen | Mar 21, 2023 9:12:35 PM

Hello and welcome, cybersecurity enthusiasts!

Today's blog post focuses on last month's S4x23 SBOM Challenge and our recent conversation with our Founder and CEO Matt Wyckhouse on Episode 16 of our IoT: Internet of Threats podcast.

Listen in as we explore the key takeaways and highlights from this important industry event. (You can also read some of our takeaways below!) 

What Did Our S4x23 Podcast Episode Cover?

πŸ† The SBOM Challenge: Takeaways & Conclusions from S4x23 πŸ†

S4x23 brought together the industry's leading experts to explore ICS cyber security and participate in the SBOM Challenge, a first-of-its-kind competition that showcased rapidly evolving skills and knowledge in the field of software supply chain security. The event highlighted the importance of Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs) and their increasing relevance in today's cybersecurity landscape.

πŸš€ Finite State's Impressive SBOM Challenge Performance πŸš€

Finite State, under the leadership of Matt Wyckhouse, was one of the five companies that participated in the SBOM Challenge. Although each company displayed unique strengths and approaches, Finite State impressed the audience with its ability to unearth more vulnerabilities than anyone else and being the only company that was able to participate in all facets of the Challenge. 

🏁 Driving Cybersecurity Forward: The SBOM Challenge & Beyond 🏁

Beyond competition, the SBOM Challenge serves a crucial purpose: it brings attention to the value of software supply chain cybersecurity and encourages the development of more mature and sophisticated SBOM solutions. In essence, the event is a catalyst for positive change within the cybersecurity community.

πŸ“ˆ Regulatory & Competitive Pressures: The Twin Forces Behind SBOM Adoption πŸ“ˆ

The SBOM Challenge reflects the real-world pressures that shape the adoption of SBOMs across the ICS ecosystem. Companies are increasingly driven by both regulatory requirements and competitive forces to enhance their cybersecurity practices. As a result, SBOMs are becoming an integral component of today's cybersecurity strategies.

🎯 SBOM's Best Use Cases: Collaboration Between Product Security & Risk Management Teams 🎯

The true value of SBOMs is best demonstrated through their practical applications. Product security and risk management teams utilize SBOMs as a critical component of their cybersecurity programs, focusing on vulnerability management, compliance tracking, and effective communication across the organization. The adoption of SBOMs paves the way for more secure and resilient digital ecosystems.

In conclusion, our podcast recap of the S4x23 SBOM Challenge and conversation with Matt Wyckhouse highlights the significance of SBOMs and the role they play in advancing software supply chain security. As we move forward, it's essential for industries to embrace the potential of SBOMs and continue driving cybersecurity improvements. Stay informed and stay secure!

Episode Links

All episodes of Finite State’s β€œThe Internet of Threats” podcast can be heard on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.

Listen to this episode in its entirety below!

Want to Read More about S4 and the SBOM Challenge? Check out these posts below! 


SBOM Challenge: Analysis a Day After

SBOM Challenge - Day 2

SBOM Challenge Day 1